Social Determinants of Sexual Behavior and Awareness of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Among Low-Income HIV+ or STI At-Risk Hispanic Residents Receiving Care at the U.S.-Mexico Border.

U.S.-Mexico border communities are uniquely vulnerable to sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission given the economic and social challenges these communities face. This study examines how marginalized statuses of U.S. border residents are associated with STI awareness and sexual behaviors. We surveyed low-income residents receiving STI testing and/or HIV/AIDS care in the lower Rio Grande Valley of southernmost Texas. Respondents aged 18+ took a self-administered survey available in English or Spanish in a clinic waiting room (N = 282). Approximately 52% of respondents reported being HIV+, and 32% of respondents reported having a prior STI other than HIV. Although most respondents had heard of HPV (72%), awareness of the HPV vaccine was low across all subgroups (28%), including women (< 35%), reflecting previous findings that border residents are less knowledgeable about the HPV vaccine. Almost half of respondents reported always using a condom (45%), which is higher than elsewhere in the U.S. Male and non-Hispanic respondents had higher estimated prevalence ratios (PR) of lifetime partners [PR 1.39 (95% confidence interval 1.43-3.68), PR 1.88 (1.04-3.41), respectively] and sexual partners met online [PR 3.73 (1.00-14.06), PR 19.98 (5.70-70.10), respectively]. Sexual minority, non-Hispanic, and male respondents had higher adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of utilizing the internet to find sexual partners than their peers [AOR 2.45 (1.60-3.87), AOR 1.52 (1.11-2.07), AOR 1.97 (1.20-3.24), respectively], placing them at greater STI-transmission risk. We found diversity in dimensions of STI awareness and sexual behaviors in our sample. Results can help tailor public health interventions to the unique STI risks of marginalized groups in border communities.

A reappraisal of Notohypshilophodon comodorensis (Ornithischia: Ornithopoda) from the Late Cretaceous of Patagonia, Argentina.

The Bajo Barreal Formation (Cenomanian, Late Cretaceous; central Patagonia, Argentina) preserves an important and rich fossil record. Among the dinosaurs described, a small ornithischian, Notohypsilophon comodorensis, was named in the 1990s. This small-bodied dinosaur, the most complete representative of the group discovered in that formation, was described as a "hypsilophodontid" ornithopod based on close morphological affinities with other members of that group, which is currently regarded as paraphyletic. Within this context, we present a restudy of Notohypsilophodon. This dinosaur is considered a basal ornithopod, probably more basal than Gasparinisaura. Likewise, this analysis emends and provides additional unique anatomical characters that support its taxonomic validity and position. On the basis of weak evidence, Notohypsilophodon might share the presence of gastroliths with other basal ornithopods (Gasparinisaura and Haya), which could suggest a specific behavior in response to its food ingestion. Finally, this study increases our knowledge of the evolutionary dynamics of South American Cretaceous ornithopods, and therefore broadens our knowledge of the early Late Cretaceous continental vertebrate assemblages of central Patagonia and of the Southern Hemisphere in general.

Association of HIV-1 Infection and Antiretroviral Therapy With Type 2 Diabetes in the Hispanic Population of the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, USA.

The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) in South Texas has one of the highest prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the United States (US). We report for the first time the T2D prevalence in persons with HIV (PWH) in the RGV and the interrelationship between T2D, cardiometabolic risk factors, HIV-related indices, and antiretroviral therapies (ART). The PWH in this study received medical care at Valley AIDS Council (VAC) clinic sites located in Harlingen and McAllen, Texas. Henceforth, this cohort will be referred to as Valley AIDS Council Cohort (VACC). Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using retrospective data obtained from 1,827 registries. It included demographic and anthropometric variables, cardiometabolic traits, and HIV-related virological and immunological indices. For descriptive statistics, we used mean values of the quantitative variables from unbalanced visits across 20 months. Robust regression methods were used to determine the associations. For comparisons, we used cardiometabolic trait data obtained from HIV-uninfected San Antonio Mexican American Family Studies (SAMAFS; N = 2,498), and the Mexican American population in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES; N = 5,989). The prevalence of T2D in VACC was 51% compared to 27% in SAMAFS and 19% in HHANES, respectively. The PWH with T2D in VACC were younger (4.7 years) and had lower BMI (BMI 2.43 units less) when compared to SAMAFS individuals. In contrast, VACC individuals had increased blood pressure and dyslipidemia. The increased T2D prevalence in VACC was independent of BMI. Within the VACC, ART was associated with viral load and CD4+ T cell counts but not with metabolic dysfunction. Notably, we found that individuals with any INSTI combination had higher T2D risk: OR 2.08 (95%CI 1.67, 2.6; p < 0.001). In summary, our results suggest that VACC individuals may develop T2D at younger ages independent of obesity. The high burden of T2D in these individuals necessitates rigorously designed longitudinal studies to draw potential causal inferences and develop better treatment regimens.

Getting by with a Little Help from Our Friends: The Role of Social Support in Addressing HIV-related Mental Health Disparities among Sexual Minorities in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

This study examines how social support and perceived discrimination influence depressive symptoms of sexual minorities (including, lesbian, gay, bisexual-identifying individuals, and others with same-sex sexual partners) relative to heterosexual peers, while considering the role of HIV-positive status. We surveyed low-income, predominantly Hispanic/Latino/as residents receiving STI-testing and/or HIV/AIDS care in the lower Rio Grande Valley of southernmost Texas. Respondents aged 18+ took a self-administered survey in English or Spanish in a clinic waiting room (N= 273). Based on OLS regression, HIV-positive status (OLS coefficient = 2.54, p< .01) and social support (OLS coefficient = -0.17, p< .001) were significant predictors of depressive symptoms among sexual minorities, but not those who identified as heterosexual. Perceived discrimination was uniquely associated with increased depressive symptoms among sexual minorities (interaction coefficient = 0.21, p< .05). Clinicians treating sexual minority patients for depression should consider developing and applying resources tailored to individuals' level of social support and ongoing experiences of social discrimination.

A Basal Lithostrotian Titanosaur (Dinosauria: Sauropoda) with a Complete Skull: Implications for the Evolution and Paleobiology of Titanosauria.

We describe Sarmientosaurus musacchioi gen. et sp. nov., a titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur from the Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian-Turonian) Lower Member of the Bajo Barreal Formation of southern Chubut Province in central Patagonia, Argentina. The holotypic and only known specimen consists of an articulated, virtually complete skull and part of the cranial and middle cervical series. Sarmientosaurus exhibits the following distinctive features that we interpret as autapomorphies: (1) maximum diameter of orbit nearly 40% rostrocaudal length of cranium; (2) complex maxilla-lacrimal articulation, in which the lacrimal clasps the ascending ramus of the maxilla; (3) medial edge of caudal sector of maxillary ascending ramus bordering bony nasal aperture with low but distinct ridge; (4) 'tongue-like' ventral process of quadratojugal that overlaps quadrate caudally; (5) separate foramina for all three branches of the trigeminal nerve; (6) absence of median venous canal connecting infundibular region to ventral part of brainstem; (7) subvertical premaxillary, procumbent maxillary, and recumbent dentary teeth; (8) cervical vertebrae with 'strut-like' centroprezygapophyseal laminae; (9) extremely elongate and slender ossified tendon positioned ventrolateral to cervical vertebrae and ribs. The cranial endocast of Sarmientosaurus preserves some of the most complete information obtained to date regarding the brain and sensory systems of sauropods. Phylogenetic analysis recovers the new taxon as a basal member of Lithostrotia, as the most plesiomorphic titanosaurian to be preserved with a complete skull. Sarmientosaurus provides a wealth of new cranial evidence that reaffirms the close relationship of titanosaurs to Brachiosauridae. Moreover, the presence of the relatively derived lithostrotian Tapuiasaurus in Aptian deposits indicates that the new Patagonian genus represents a 'ghost lineage' with a comparatively plesiomorphic craniodental form, the evolutionary history of which is missing for at least 13 million years of the Cretaceous. The skull anatomy of Sarmientosaurus suggests that multiple titanosaurian species with dissimilar cranial structures coexisted in the early Late Cretaceous of southern South America. Furthermore, the new taxon possesses a number of distinctive morphologies-such as the ossified cervical tendon, extremely pneumatized cervical vertebrae, and a habitually downward-facing snout-that have rarely, if ever, been documented in other titanosaurs, thus broadening our understanding of the anatomical diversity of this remarkable sauropod clade. The latter two features were convergently acquired by at least one penecontemporaneous diplodocoid, and may represent mutual specializations for consuming low-growing vegetation.

Histological evidence for a supraspinous ligament in sauropod dinosaurs.

Supraspinous ossified rods have been reported in the sacra of some derived sauropod dinosaurs. Although different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the origin of this structure, histological evidence has never been provided to support or reject any of them. In order to establish its origin, we analyse and characterize the microstructure of the supraspinous rod of two sauropod dinosaurs from the Upper Cretaceous of Argentina. The supraspinous ossified rod is almost entirely formed by dense Haversian bone. Remains of primary bone consist entirely of an avascular tissue composed of two types of fibre-like structures, which are coarse and longitudinally (parallel to the main axis of the element) oriented. These structures are differentiated on the basis of their optical properties under polarized light. Very thin fibrous strands are also observed in some regions. These small fibres are all oriented parallel to one another but perpendicular to the element main axis. Histological features of the primary bone tissue indicate that the sacral supraspinous rod corresponds to an ossified supraspinous ligament. The formation of this structure appears to have been a non-pathological metaplastic ossification, possibly induced by the continuous tensile forces applied to the element.

A gigantic, exceptionally complete titanosaurian sauropod dinosaur from southern Patagonia, Argentina.

Titanosaurian sauropod dinosaurs were the most diverse and abundant large-bodied herbivores in the southern continents during the final 30 million years of the Mesozoic Era. Several titanosaur species are regarded as the most massive land-living animals yet discovered; nevertheless, nearly all of these giant titanosaurs are known only from very incomplete fossils, hindering a detailed understanding of their anatomy. Here we describe a new and gigantic titanosaur, Dreadnoughtus schrani, from Upper Cretaceous sediments in southern Patagonia, Argentina. Represented by approximately 70% of the postcranial skeleton, plus craniodental remains, Dreadnoughtus is the most complete giant titanosaur yet discovered, and provides new insight into the morphology and evolutionary history of these colossal animals. Furthermore, despite its estimated mass of about 59.3 metric tons, the bone histology of the Dreadnoughtus type specimen reveals that this individual was still growing at the time of death.

The behavioral implications of a multi-individual bonebed of a small theropod dinosaur.

BACKGROUND: Central Patagonia, Argentina, preserves an abundant and rich fossil record. Among vertebrate fossils from the Upper Cretaceous Bajo Barreal Formation of Patagonia, five individuals of the small, non-avian theropod dinosaur Aniksosaurus darwini were recovered. Group behavior is an important aspect of dinosaur paleoecology, but it is not well-documented and is poorly understood among non-avian Theropoda. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The taphonomic association of individuals from the Bajo Barreal Formation and aspects of their bone histology suggest gregarious behavior for Aniksosaurus, during at least a portion of the life history of this species. Histology indicates that the specimens were juvenile to sub-adult individuals. In addition, morphological differences between individuals, particularly proportions of the appendicular bones, are probably related to body-size dimorphism rather than ontogenetic stage. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Gregarious behaviour may have conferred a selective advantage on Aniksosaurus individuals, contributing to their successful exploitation of the Cretaceous paleoenvironment preserved in the Bajo Barreal Formation. The monospecific assemblage of Aniksosaurus specimens constitutes only the second body fossil association of small, coelurosaurian theropods in South America and adds valuable information about the paleoecologies of non-avian theropod dinosaurs, particularly in the early Late Cretaceous of Patagonia.

Genetic footprints of Iberian cattle in America 500 years after the arrival of Columbus.

BACKGROUND: American Creole cattle presumably descend from animals imported from the Iberian Peninsula during the period of colonization and settlement, through different migration routes, and may have also suffered the influence of cattle directly imported from Africa. The introduction of European cattle, which began in the 18th century, and later of Zebu from India, has threatened the survival of Creole populations, some of which have nearly disappeared or were admixed with exotic breeds. Assessment of the genetic status of Creole cattle is essential for the establishment of conservation programs of these historical resources. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We sampled 27 Creole populations, 39 Iberian, 9 European and 6 Zebu breeds. We used microsatellite markers to assess the origins of Creole cattle, and to investigate the influence of different breeds on their genetic make-up. The major ancestral contributions are from breeds of southern Spain and Portugal, in agreement with the historical ports of departure of ships sailing towards the Western Hemisphere. This Iberian contribution to Creoles may also include some African influence, given the influential role that African cattle have had in the development of Iberian breeds, but the possibility of a direct influence on Creoles of African cattle imported to America can not be discarded. In addition to the Iberian influence, the admixture with other European breeds was minor. The Creoles from tropical areas, especially those from the Caribbean, show clear signs of admixture with Zebu. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Nearly five centuries since cattle were first brought to the Americas, Creoles still show a strong and predominant signature of their Iberian ancestors. Creole breeds differ widely from each other, both in genetic structure and influences from other breeds. Efforts are needed to avoid their extinction or further genetic erosion, which would compromise centuries of selective adaptation to a wide range of environmental conditions.

Entamoeba histolytica: mechanism of decrease of virulence of axenic cultures maintained for prolonged periods.

Intraportal injection of non-virulent E. histolytica (derived from prolonged axenic culture of virulent E. histolytica) strain HM1-IMSS in normal hamsters results in no liver lesions and disappearance of the parasites 48-72 h after injection. Viability of non-virulent E. histolytica after 2 h of in vitro incubation in either fresh or decomplemented hamster serum is the same as control virulent E. histolytica (50-90%). In hamsters made leukopenic, or both leukopenic+hypocomplementemic, or hypocomplementemic+sephadex microspheres (to produce focal liver ischemia) intraportally injected non-virulent E. histolytica cause no lesions and disappear after 24 h. In addition, neither hypocomplementemia nor immunosuppression with cyclosporin A prolonged the survival of non-virulent E. histolytica. Methyl prednisolone treatment of hamsters resulted in survival of large numbers of non-virulent E. histolytica in the liver, with little inflammation and minimal tissue damage, for up to 7 days. Inflammatory cells (macrophages) would appear to be chiefly responsible for elimination of non-virulent E. histolytica. Parallel experiments with E. dispar suggest a different mechanism for its non-pathogenicity.

Tabaquismo: alteraciones producidas por el uretano en los receptores de macrófagos y el sistema del complemento / Smoking: alterations by urethano in macrophages, complement system

Se comunican los resultados de un análisis de la acción del uretano sobre las células inmunocompetentes (macrófagos), el sistema del complemento y también en los enterocitos. El estudio de los receptores de macrófagos por medio de la formación de rosetas puso de manifiesto que concentraciones altas de uretano destruyen a los macrófagos y disminuyen la unión con IgG y el tercer componente del complemento. Los resultados obtenidos experimentalmente in vitro sugieren que de acuerdo con el grado y tiempo de la exposición al humo de tabaco se puede romper el equilibrio del sistema inmunitario y de otras poblaciones celulares que desembocan en los procesos patológicos que se relacionan con tabaquismo

Citotoxicidad inducida por el tabaco / Cytotoxic and proliferative effect of tobacco

El condensado de humo (CH) a una concentración de 0.40 mg/ml y el uretano a dosis de 5.0 mg/ml disminuyeron la adherencia y la proliferación celulares a porcentajes menores del 30 y 15 por ciento respectivamente, en comparación con las células controles que tuvieron 100 por ciento de adherencia y proliferación. El extracto de tabaco (ET) a una concentración de 16 mg/ml provocó 65 por ciento de inhibición de la proliferación; sin embargo, con 0.79 mg/ml, o dosis menores, los resultados fueron similares a los cultivos celulares testigos y con 0.1 mg/ml se incrementó la proliferación hasta 65 por ciento por arriba de las células testigo. El CH (0.5 mg/ml) dió valores semejantes en la adherencia y proliferación celulares con respecto a los controles. Las células MDCK tratadas con etilen-metanosulfonato y que después fueron expandidas en condiciones habituales, se incubaron con diferentes concentraciones del CH, ET y el uretano, observándose un comportamiento similar al de las celulas MDCK controles. Los cultivos celulares que se incubaron tres días posteriores a su enfrentamiento con el CH (0.05 mg/ml), o con el uretano (2 mg/ml), tuvieron el 50 por ciento de inhibición de la proliferación al compararlos con los cultivos controles. Los datos obtenidos en este trabajo indican que las dosis altas de los productos del tabaco son citotóxicas, reflejándose este hecho en la disminución de la adherencia y proliferación de las células y que las dosis bajas de los PDCT estimulan estos fenómenos celulare

Inmunoglobulina A y antígenos del tabaco en pacientes neumópatas / Inmunoglobulin A and tobacco antigen in pheumophatic patients

El tabaquismo es una adicción relacionada con diversas enfermedades cardiopulmonares. Algunos compuestos derivados de la combustión del tabaco son capaces de inducir una reacción del sistema inmune secretor, ya que su entrada al organismo es a través del epitelio de la vía respiratoria por lo que se propone la formación de complejos inmunes tabaco antitabaco (CI) en la circulación con la participación de IgA. Los anticuerpos antitabaco se demostraron en el suero de 44 porciento de sujetos "sanos" fumadores y en 71 porciento de los no fumadores. Se encontraron CI séricos en 56 porciento de fumadores y en 38 porciento de no fumadores, los cuales mostraron en promedio 0.19 y 0.15 mg/ml de IgA respectivamente. Los pesos moleculares de los constituyentes de los CI oscilaron entre 12 y 80 Kd. No se observaron antígenos de tabaco libre en los sueros probados. Los pacientes neumópatas tuvieron anticuerpos antitabaco en 100 porciento de los casos y los CI fueron positivos en 72 porciento de fumadores y 65 porciento de no fumadores. La IgA fue de 1.41 y 1.26 mg/ml respectivamente. Los compuestos de los CI tuvieron de 14 a 90 Kd. El antígeno del tabaco libre en el suero fue observado en 44 porciento de fumadores y 41 porciento de los no fumadores. Se concluye que los pacientes neumópatas tuvieron mayor frecuencia de anticuerpos antitabaco y de CI; fue mayor y en más casos se demostró antígeno de tabaco libre en el suero de neumópatas que en los sujetos sanos. Es posible que los CI-IgA participen en los procesos inflamatorios pulmonares que se encuentran relacionados con el tabaquismo.

Efecto de la combustión del tabaco en la propiedad inmunoquímicas de la albúmina / Effect of tobacco smoke in the immunochemistry properties of albumin

Las condiciones en que se realiza la combustión del tabaco durante el acto de fumar favorecen el arrastre de diferentes componentes del cigarrillo, incluyéndose los que se generan en la ignición y que llegan al aparato respiratorio del sujeto que aspira el humo del tabaco. En el extremo de la combustión del cagarrillo la temperatura alcanza 600ºC pero en el punto opuesto, que se pone en contacto con los labios del fumador, la temperatura es menor; por lo anterior se considera que en el cigarrillo se forma un gradiente de temperatura que puede ser capaz de transportar los productos del tabaco. Para demostrar que sí es posible encontrar componentes inmunorreactivos en el humo del tabaco se diseñó un modelo en el cual se usaron dos series de cigarrillos. La serie experimental de cigarrillos fue inyectada con distintas concentraciones de una solución de albúmina sérica bovina (albúmina sérica bovina) y la control recibió salina-fosfato (SSF) sin ninguna proteína. Ambos grupos de cigarrillos permanecieron a 20ºC durante 48 horas para permitir su secado. Posteriormente, se procedió a la combustión de cada serie por separado y el condensado del humo del tabaco producido se dejó en solución salina-fosfato. Los condensados de humo del tabaco derivados de los cigarrillos con mayor concentración de albúmina sérica bovina presentaron más proteína total que los cigarrillos controles. La identificación de la albúmina sérica bovina, que previamente se había colocado en los cigarrillos, se realizó con técnicas inmunoserológicas en las cuales se demostró una banda correspondiente a la albumina sérica bovina, la cual fue revelada con los anticuerpos policlonales anti-albúmina sérica bovina. Los condensados de humo del tabaco producidos con cigarrillos sin albúmina sérica bovina no reaccionaron con los anticuerpos anti-albúmina sérica bovina. La cuantificación de la albvúmina sérica bovina en cada conjunto de cigarrillos mostró de 15 a 601 mcg por cada cigarrillo, de acuerdo con la dosis de albúmina sérica bovina aplicada inicialmente. Se concluye que una fracción de la proteína puesta a los cigarrillos conserva su inmunorreactividad en el condensado del humo del tabaco; por lo cual es posible que los sujetos fumadores al aspirar el humo se pongan en contacto con estructuras del tabaco que desencadenan una respuesta inmunitaria anti-tabaco